Lexical Summary elaphria: Lightness, frivolity Original Word: ἐλαφρία Strong's Exhaustive Concordance lightness. From elaphros; levity (figuratively), i.e. Fickleness -- lightness. see GREEK elaphros HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 1644 elaphría (from 1645 /elaphrós, "least, little/small") – properly, of little weight (light), used only in 2 Cor 1:17. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom elaphros Definition levity, i.e. fickleness NASB Translation vacillating* (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1644: ἐλαφρίᾳἐλαφρίᾳ, ἐλαφριας, ἡ (ἐλαφρός), lightness; used of levity and fickleness of mind, 2 Corinthians 1:17; a later word, cf. Lob. ad Phryn., p. 343. Topical Lexicon Concept and Nuance The noun rendered “lightness” in English versions carries the idea of a mind that is easily swayed, superficial, or undependable. It is not mere cheerfulness but a lack of moral weight—a disposition that treats serious matters with casual indifference or vacillating inconsistency. Biblical Usage The word appears once in the New Testament, in Paul’s self-defense to believers in Corinth: “Therefore when I was planning this, did I do so lightly? Or the things I plan, do I plan according to the flesh, so that with me there should be ‘Yes, yes’ and ‘No, no’?” (2 Corinthians 1:17). Paul denies that his change of travel plans arose from capricious motives. By contrasting “lightness” with the divine “Yes” confirmed in Christ (2 Corinthians 1:19-20), he asserts that the messenger’s integrity must mirror the message of God’s unwavering faithfulness. Historical and Literary Context First-century travel was vulnerable to weather, finances, and opposition. False teachers in Corinth seized upon Paul’s unavoidable adjustments to cast doubt on his apostolic credibility. In Greco-Roman rhetoric, consistency of character (ethos) authenticated a speaker. Paul therefore treats accusations of “lightness” as threats to the gospel itself, not merely personal slander. Theological Significance 1. Integrity of Witness: Implications for Ministry • Shepherds and missionaries are called to transparent accountability; unforeseen changes require forthright explanation lest “lightness” be imputed. Historical Reception Chrysostom highlighted Paul’s refusal to invoke divine sovereignty as an excuse for unreliability, stressing that true apostles “fear to seem fickle even in small matters.” Reformers likewise cited this verse to commend plain dealing and to warn against equivocal vows. Related Biblical Themes Dependability: Psalm 15:4; Proverbs 25:19. Divine Faithfulness: Lamentations 3:22-23; Hebrews 10:23. Human Planning under God’s Will: Acts 18:21; Romans 1:10-13. Practical Application Believers today face calendars crowded with commitments. The solitary New Testament occurrence of this term reminds the church that gospel credibility demands earnest deliberation, truthful scheduling, and humble acknowledgment of God’s overarching direction. Followers of Christ resist the spirit of “lightness,” knowing that kingdom work rests upon the Rock who never vacillates. Forms and Transliterations ελαφρια ελαφρία ἐλαφρίᾳ elaphria elaphríāiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 2 Corinthians 1:17 N-DFSGRK: ἄρα τῇ ἐλαφρίᾳ ἐχρησάμην ἢ KJV: did I use lightness? or INT: indeed lightness did I use or |
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